Duane “Dewey” Leroy Lien, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2026, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a family who loved him dearly, and a legacy of laughter, friendship, and a genuine enthusiasm for life.

Born on December 30, 1943, in Slayton, Minnesota, to Lloyd and Bertha Lien, Dewey grew up working on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love for animals. He had two older brothers, David and Don.

Dewey was a man who knew how to enjoy the journey. Whether he was on the golf course, out on the lake, cheering on his favorite teams, or simply surrounded by the people he loved, he embraced life with a spirit that was uniquely his own. He understood that some of life's greatest treasures weren't things at all, but the moments shared with family and friends.

Sports were an important part of Dewey's life from an early age. A naturally gifted athlete, he graduated from Slayton High School, where he was a standout left-handed pitcher on the baseball team. His love for the game continued through his college years at South Dakota State University and Mankato State University, where he earned his degree in 1966. Of all his accomplishments on the baseball diamond, one memory remained especially dear to him: the perfect game he pitched. It was a story he loved to tell, and one his family and friends heard with affection more than once.

Dewey dedicated much of his professional life to ECM Publishing in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he worked until retirement.

On October 14, 1995, he married Connie at their home in New Brighton, Minnesota, surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was the beginning of 31 wonderful years together, filled with laughter, companionship, shared adventures, and a lifetime of memories.

Together, Dewey and Connie built a life they truly enjoyed. From their lake home on Webb Lake in Wisconsin to Voyager Village Country Club in Webster, Wisconsin, and Timber Greens Country Club in New Port Richey, Florida, they made the most of their years together, creating welcoming homes, lasting friendships, and countless memories with family.

Dewey wasn't a man who needed grand gestures or elaborate words to show his love. He expressed it in the ways that mattered most—through his actions, his humor, his steady presence, and simply being there. Whether sharing a quiet morning, enjoying an afternoon on the golf course, or spending time with family and friends, Dewey had a way of making ordinary moments memorable.

For Connie, the greatest gift of their 31 years together wasn't any single adventure or special occasion. It was having Dewey beside her through all the little moments that made up their life. His familiar humor, his companionship, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there are the things that will be missed most deeply. Their love was never about having a perfect life. It was about building a good one together. And that is exactly what they did.

If there was one pastime that captured Dewey's competitive spirit and love of life, it was golf. He didn't simply play the game; he immersed himself in it. He loved watching golf, talking golf, perfecting his swing, and even custom-crafting golf clubs. Yet his greatest enjoyment came not from his own achievements, but from sharing his passion with his daughter and grandchildren, patiently teaching them the game and creating memories that will last far beyond the final round.

Dewey's interests extended well beyond the fairways. He enjoyed darts, bowling, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and just about any sporting event he could find. He was a dedicated sports fan who enjoyed watching any and all games, frequently stopping by Joe DiMaggio's Sports Bar and Grill in Fridley, where everybody knew his name. He had a way of making himself at home wherever he went, finding friendship and conversation in the simplest of places.

But the moments that defined Dewey's life most beautifully were often the quiet, ordinary ones that became extraordinary in the memories of those who shared them.

Early morning fishing trips. Pontoon rides across the lake. Pulling skiers and tubers behind the beloved “Silver Bullet.” Footlong hot dogs at the Minnesota State Fair. Buying and selling cars, working on woodworking projects with his grandchildren, and taking them for rides in the golf cart. There were peaceful mornings spent on the deck or lanai, watching the day begin, and of course, the ever-present handful of M&Ms that seemed to accompany him wherever he went. These were the moments that made Dewey, Dewey.

He had a love for life that was evident in the things he did, the stories he told, and the time he spent with those closest to him. He found happiness in being active, staying connected, and sharing the experiences he enjoyed with the people he loved.

Above all, Dewey's greatest legacy is his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Connie; his daughter, Jennifer (Craig) Hahn; and his cherished grandchildren, Jayden and Simon Hahn, all of Minnetonka, Minnesota.

He is also survived by his three stepsons, Dennis Thurman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Shannon (Julie) Thurman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Lincoln (Ashley) Thurman of Milbank, South Dakota; along with 12 step-grandchildren and two great-step-grandchildren.

Dewey was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Bertha Lien, and his brothers, David and Don Lien.

Though his passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who loved him, Dewey's story does not end here. It lives on in every family gathering, every round of golf, every summer afternoon on the lake, and every story told with a smile.

His legacy can be found in the grandchildren he taught, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless memories made across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and South Dakota.

Dewey lived a full life, filled with the things that mattered most to him. He played hard, loved his family, enjoyed his friends, and never lost his enthusiasm for the next adventure. And perhaps that is the most beautiful way to remember him—not simply with sadness for the days we will no longer share, but with gratitude for all the wonderful days we were given.

The golf courses will be a little quieter, the lake a little less lively, and family gatherings will never be quite the same. But wherever there is laughter, a good story, a round of golf, or a handful of M&Ms, a little piece of Dewey will always be there.

Rest peacefully, Dewey. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.

There are no scheduled services in Sioux Falls at this time.